Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) has made a proposal to the European Commission, hoping to sidestep a fine. The search engine giant is currently facing heat over purportedly breaking rules regarding competition.
Now the EU wants Google’s rivals and other market participants to offer their feedback. This market test will take place within the next month. The European Commission has been investigating Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) since late 2010, when rivals accused the site of directing their users to Google’s services by decreasing the visibility of competitor websites and services. Google was also accused of pushing contract restrictions that would prevent advertisers from switching their online ad campaigns to other search engines like Yahoo! Inc. (NASDAQ:YHOO).
Google’s list included improved labels
Although Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) offered a list of suggested remedies at the beginning of this year, one EC commissioner wanted more. Google’s list included improved labels which would show when the company is promoting their own services, an opt-out choice that would enable companies to prevent their content from showing up on Google’s local search, and allowing advertisers to end their campaigns with the company with ease.
Joaquin Almunia, competition commissioner for the European Commssion, believes that Google’s proposals are not enough. That is why the EC is seeking more concessions. A representative for Almunia explained, “In the context of the ongoing antitrust investigation, the Commission is seeking feedback from complainants and other relevant market participants on the improved commitments proposals by Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG), as announced by vice president Almunia on 1 October.”
Today, the EC is sending out information requests. At press time, the search giant has yet to contact ZDNet for comment.
Google is a powerful company
Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) is a powerful company that offers more than just a search engine and web services. Because of the company’s powerful presence, it tends to dominate smaller companies. Hopefully, the European Commission will take the time to find a good solution for all the companies involved in this matter.
